Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-11
MARSE CEsAN.
Thomas Nelson Page at Vanderbilt
University.
NASHVILLE Americana

NASHVILLE Ameflcan.I
Every seat in the large chapel at the
Vanderbilt University was filled last
night, the most cultured people of our
city having turned out TO greet MIR.
Thomas Nelson Page, of Virginia, whose
eminence as an author and reader has
been made familiar to all.
In introducing Mr.. Page Chancellor
Garland was very brief, saying that a
reading and literary people, such as
those present, required no introduction
TO an author of such distinction.
After expressing pleasure at being able
to appear before Nashville audience,
Mr.. Page at once began his admirable
reading of "Marse Chan"
This is the story which was published
three years ago and which won for its
author the reputation Of having written
the most exquisite story ofthe war which
has yet appeared. In it are gems of
pathos, humor, and dramatic effect which
could emanate only from the highest
time of genius. Written as it is III the
peculiar negro dialect, ever charming
when faithfully portrayed, which Mr..
Page has so thoroughly mastered, it is
made by his reading entertaining beyond
comment. From the first SEN
tence to the last word the
attention of the keenly-appreciative au-
dience was arrested, and by the play of
feelings upon faces around him a mute
could have told the sentiment that mo-
ment rendered by the fascinating and
most natural reader. Sometimes so rapid
were the changes made by the faithful
old negro's fancy from the most pathetic
description to ludicrouc vagary of the
imagination that the tear called forth by
q tender thought was followed, ere it left
the eye, by one called in play, by unex-
pected humor.
SO well modulated is Mr.. Pages voice,
SO fully does he reveal every thought
and reflect the most delicate and almost
imperceptible standings of sentiment that
cultivated audience is TO him a
delicately-strung instrument, from which
be calls notes sweeter and clearer than
they were conscious of possessing.
When the reading ceased there was for
moment the stiffness of death in the
vast room, the audience being so
thoroughly lost in enjoyment that APP
plause was forgotten. Then like storm
It came, continuing SO long that the
favored reader must have grown weary of
bowling his thanks.
TO an american reporter he said that
he had never had kinder audience and
that he was pleased to think that other
opportunities had been afforded him of
appearing before Nashville people. Mr..
Page also says that the southern people
appreciate the finer points in this story
which seem to fall short Of tho intention
with northerners. This he attributes
more particularly to the fact that they
cannot recognize those subtle by-plays
Of thought and expression peculiar TO an
old southern darkey, but with which the
people OF this State are so familiar.
The publication Of "Marse Chan"
three years ago, first won for Mr.. Page
his merited literary distinction. He was
born April %, 1858. at 0aklands, an old
family estate in Hanover county, Va,
and comes of an aristocratic family. He
is a graduate OF Washington and Lee
University and the Law Department OF
the University OF Virginia. Since then